Prime Minister rules out ‘punishing’ Syrian athletes with Olympics ban

But as International Olympic Committee (IOC) inspectors began their last visit to the city before the Games, the Prime Minister warned any Syrian Olympic officials who have been targeted by sanctions would not be welcome.

Amid efforts to seize assets and impose sanctions against the regime, many close to President Bashar al-Assad have been banned from travelling within the EU, including his British-born wife Asma al-Assad.

But the Prime Minister told a 10 Downing Street Press conference: “I don’t think we should punish the athletes for the sins of the region.”

Syria’s national committee, headed by General Mowaffak Joumaa, a friend of President Assad, would automatically be invited to attend the opening ceremony.

Mr Cameron’s comments came as the US responded cautiously to Syria’s sudden acceptance of a UN peace plan, wary that president Assad’s regime may use it as cover to press on with a year-long political crackdown.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the Syrian endorsement of the an immediate ceasefire and an eventual democratic transition was an important step, but Assad now has to deliver amid reports of fresh clashes.